Adam McKay has so far been proud of himself avoiding such overrated comedy slush like “Step Brothers” even though through his comedic track record, he actually directed the first “Anchorman”, it’s decent sequel, and “Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby”, which are creative-enough satires to say the least.
Now the completely revolting and mind-bending adventures continue with Adam McKay, where he must accomplish to be a consistent, modern-day Oliver Stone making a great follow-up to the 2008 financial crisis, “The Big Short” which would be his satire on Dick Cheney, “Vice”.
“Vice” tells the true biographical story of Dick Cheney (powerfully transformed by Christian Bale), whom his personal motivation is to be the most powerful Vice President in American history.
The film, like how Oliver Stone made “Nixon” and “Snowden”, showcases a celebrated compilation of Dick Cheney’s greatest hits including his involvement with the 9/11 attacks, the George W. Bush administration of 2001, and the US invasions of Afghanistan and Iraq.
McKay in his latest film values comedy over drama, which doesn’t mean it is a bad thing because the film is trying to satirize politics and how it affects American society.
The main reason why I am saying this is that “Vice” is not a great, mind-blowing achievement like 2015’s “The Big Short” where it balanced comedy and drama very well to illustrate a terrible time in American history. “Vice” at certain parts can be very tricky at balancing both of these genres at the same time. It doesn’t mean “Vice” is still is a good movie though.
Christian Bale as Cheney himself fits the embodiment and character of him very well. He is focused and at times humorous whenever he is poking fun at Donald Rumsfeld (Steve Carell) during the first act of the film. It seems like it is more of a transformation than it is more of a performance, which is probably why I don’t think it is one of the very best actor performances of the year. Willem Dafoe (At Eternity’s Gate), Bradley Cooper (A Star is Born), and Brady Corbet (The Rider) of course deliver more stronger performances than him.
Probably my personal favorite aspect about the film is the narrator Kurt, played by big newcomer Jesse Plemons (Game Night). The way he introduces characters and events in the film is ingenious and creative which makes “Vice” stand out as a satire.
Adam McKay’s direction emotionally incorporates very important footage and media sources as evidence like “The Big Short”, where he referenced news coverings of the main event. McKay, while nearly not as impactful as “The Big Short” does do a good enough job on poking fun at modern politics and covering the vital aspects of Cheney’s life, where it peaks an inspiration of Oliver Stone.
There are also astounding performances from a fierce Amy Adams as an intelligent Lynne Cheney, who might get even bigger awards embargo than Regina King in “If Beale Street Could Talk”, a surprising, dramatic appearance by Tyler Perry as Colin Powell, and two very transforming performances from both Steve Carell and Sam Rockwell as Donald Rumsfeld.
“Vice” somewhat becomes this year’s “The Post”, where it is based on a powerful true story, a true crowd-pleaser, and a manufacturing of Oscar-bait for the modern ages. The one thing that will take away from Adam McKay’s recent project is that he is for sure this generation’s Oliver Stone rather than being a comedy hack like Ben Falcone (Tammy, Life of the Party).
Grade: 7.5/10
